I was starting to adjust the valves on the engine after putting about 100miles on it and I noticed that some of the pushrod seats are, for some reason, not pressing up against the retaining cilp when the rocker arms are removed. I have read that you are supposed to wait for the seat to move upwards against the clip before adjusting preload, but after waiting, nothing happens. This is only happening with a few of the lifters. I was just wondering if this is common and will fix itself over time or if I have a problem and need new lifters? Thanks.

 

They should come up almost immediately, even without oil pressure. There is a spring inside them that will (should) move the center piston and cup all the way up until it hits the retaining clip. Pushing them down is what takes time as the oil inside them is working against a one-way valve, but up should happen as fast as you can back the rocker nuts off.

If they're old high-mileage lifters you might want to consider replacing them- sounds like they might be gummed up inside or have mechanical failure of some kind. Replacing roller lifters on the same cam is not a problem. Flat tappet lifters (like an 86 would have) you might run into issues breaking in new lifters against an older cam. I've successfully done that several times, but I've also had some failures as well (flattening some cam lobes with the new lifters).

 

Check my post #6 as it says how to dissamble and clean lifters.


http://https://www.thirdgen.org/foru...r-lifters.html

Always do one (1) lifter at a times as parts are matched with tight tolerances to the specific lifter.

1. Remove the plunger retainer ring with pliers or the special tool designed for this purpose. It may be necessary o depress the plunger to release the retainer ring. This can be done with a push rod.
2. Remove the push-rod cup, metering valve, and plunger and spring assembly.
3. Invert the plunger and spring assembly and remove the check-valve retainer. Next remove the check valve and spring.
4. Clean all parts in a suitable solvent that will remove all carnish and carbon. (seafoam)
5. Thoroughly wipe off all parts with a clean lint-free cloth, using a hard wiping action to remove any deposits. Rinse in clean kerosene.
6. Inspect the parts and discard the entire lifter assembly if any part shows signs of pitting, scoring, or galling. Replace the entire assembly if the plunger is not free in the body. The plunger should drop to the bottom of the body by its own weight.
7. Reassemble the lifterif all parts appear to be in good shape.

Checking leakdown rate.

1. Remove the push-rod cup and completely submerge the lifter in an upright posistion in clean kerosene, or other liquid reccomended by manufacturer.
2. Allow the lifter to completely fill with kerosene.
3. Remoce the lifter and replace the push=rod cup.
4. Hold the lifter upright and force the plunger down with either a push rod or special pliers. If the plunger collapses alomst instantly as pressure is applied, dissasemble the lifter clean and test again.
5. If the lifter sitll does not operate satisfactorily, replace with a new unit.

 

I started to take one of the bad ones apart, but the only thing that would come out was the clip and the pushrod seat. The plunger and everything seems stuck in there. I'm thinking these are no good. Thanks for the responses.